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Web Platforms and Documentation

NC State Theme Version 4.0 Launch Preview

October 31, 2023

The UComm team is in the final stretch of preparing and testing version 4.0 of the NC State Theme. As we get closer to the November 28 launch date, this post provides a preview of some of the planned features and discusses next steps for users who would like to upgrade.

The features and screenshots below are directionally where the NC State Theme is headed, but minor refinements are likely. This means that the final released version may have minor differences from what is shown below.

Contents

How 4.0 Differs from Previous NC State Theme Versions

Version 4.0 of the NC State Theme launches an exciting new era for the university’s communications and marketing web platform. It launches a new approach where regular updates are provided throughout the year and for years to come.

Along with this new update approach comes a new cost model for users of the paid version of the NC State Theme. Rather than a higher, one-time cost for the theme, there will now be a lower annual subscription cost. Not only does this help mimic industry-standard software licensing, but it also helps enable feature improvements as the university’s web needs continue to evolve.

This update approach will allow sites to more easily stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and university branding guidelines.

There will continue to be a free version of the NC State Theme, and we are continuing to add new features to make it a robust option for many sites. There will now be two paid tiers (pro and premium) that are offered as part of the new annual subscription model.

How Do I Upgrade?

The upgrade process from version 3 to version 4 of the NC State Theme will be quick and easy. When blocks have been used as intended in version 3, content will seamlessly migrate into version 4.

The upgrade process can proceed on a site administrator’s preferred timeline. When a site’s administrator is ready, they can activate the new theme and supporting plugins. All content will automatically migrate during this time.

For users of the free tier, version 4 of the theme should be available to activate anytime beginning on November 28. Theme availability will be dependent upon your web hosting administrator making it available.

For users of a paid tier, version 4 will become available on November 28, but additional coordination with UComm and OIT will be needed to make it available for activation. Many version 3 paid tier sites are already in dialog with University Communications to discuss upgrade plans. If you have not yet started a conversation about upgrading to a version 4 paid tier, you can reach out to UComm.

Version 3 of the NC State Theme will continue to be supported until early 2025.

Several new navigations options are available within the new NC State Theme version. An all-new left-hand menu is available in all tiers of the theme.

Screenshot showing left-hand menu
New left-hand menu

This new menu makes better use of horizontal space so that blocks within a page’s main content area have more space. It also allows users to more easily drill-down into different menu sections.

A new alternative masthead and footer are also included for premium tier users.

Screenshot of alternative masthead
Example mock up of the alternative masthead

The new alternative masthead is more compact and takes up less vertical space. This helps users get to your site’s main content more quickly.

While the alternative masthead does have many perks, it may not be the best fit for sites with deep site structures and a lot of menu items. The alternative masthead only supports two menu levels and has a maximum number of top-level menu items.

This masthead works well for smaller, focused sites. Additional menu options for a future theme release are already being explored. These other options would better support sites with extensive menu structures.

Screenshot of alternative footer
Example mock up of the alternative footer

The alternative footer provides a more compact option. Aspects of it can also be toggled off to make the menu even shorter. This could be a good option for sites without a need for an extensive set of footer information.

The existing version 3 masthead and footer options will continue to be available too.

Academic Program Template

Version 4.0 of the NC State Theme marks the release of academic program templates using WordPress’s custom post types functionality.

This new template will allow content maintainers to easily create visually engaging pages for academic programs by simply filling out pertinent information about a specific program (both undergraduate and graduate). It will also add a search and filtering mechanism for prospective students to be able to easily look at programs offered.

Additional details and screenshots will be available when the version 4 documentation site launches on November 28.

New Blocks

Several new blocks are being released as part of version 4.0. One of the most exciting options is the new Fancy Paragraph block.

Fancy Paragraph Block

Text Links and Quote Fancy Paragraph options. View schematics for all Fancy Paragraph configurations.

The Fancy Paragraph block provides many different options for users to place content within a column-based format.

One of the most requested features from content maintainers was the ability to include column-based content. There were a variety of different reasons users requested this ability, and this is just the first new column-based feature that will be released as part of version 4 of the NC State Theme. Other types of column solutions are also planned for the coming months.

Scrolling Spotlight Block

A new Scrolling Spotlight block will also be released to help with storytelling and high-polish marketing efforts. The block will provide a parallax effect to encourage users to keep scrolling through bite-sized pieces of content.

Headshot Block

A Headshot block is also being added to posts to help content maintainers more easily showcase important individuals referenced within their stories.

Changes for Content Maintainers

Some of the most exciting changes are for our back-end users.

Block Name Changes

A complete overhaul of block names will be part of version 4.0. The new names better describe each block and establish common naming conventions between similar blocks. This, along with preview images in the block inserter, should make it easier for content maintainers to find the best block to effectively convey the desired message.

Block Categories

Block categories to the block inserter are also being added to help better organize the many blocks that are available within the NC State Theme.

Block Patterns

We are introducing block patterns that will provide suggested layouts for different types of pages. A recurring piece of feedback from users is that creating new, blank pages is overwhelming. By providing suggested layouts where content maintainers can simply populate content (without being overly concerned about page layout), it should be easier for pages to be created.

Documentation Site and Workshop Changes

We are revamping our documentation site and our series of workshops. These adjustments should make it easier for users to maintain the content on their sites.

Unbranded Version

NC State has many inter-institutional initiatives that do not follow core NC State branding guidelines. These initiatives are supported by the university and can benefit from having an established web platform for communications and marketing efforts.

Version 4 of the NC State Theme includes an unbranded version where logos, color palette and other branding elements can be adjusted.

Screenshot of site using unbranded version of NC State Theme
NC Sea Grant is an early adoptee of the unbranded version of the NC State Theme.

Availability of this version of the NC State Theme is only available when special branding allowances have been made. Sites that wish to use this version of the NC State Theme should contact University Communications and Marketing to see if they are eligible.

Much More Coming in Future Releases

The new features mentioned in this preview are only some of the updates that will be available in version 4.0 of the NC State Theme. A full listing will be on our new documentation site on November 28.

This is also only the first of many new features that will be included in this exciting new period for the NC State Theme. We already have a long list of features that are being worked on (or will be in the coming months).

New features can always be requested. We enjoy hearing about both the common and unique needs across the university. Hearing from users is one way that we choose what to include in future theme releases.